1948 Fights:  Lee Savold - December 6th Harringay Arena

The Fight

On 22nd November according to the Shields Daily News, Lee Savold “arrived at Southampton aboard the Mauretania today in such ‘good shape’ that his manager, Bill Daly, said ‘he could take on Woodcock in two days.’”

But the fight itself was a painful and almost scandalous affair. Savold was disqualified for a foul punch in the fourth round, leaving Bruce in agony on the canvas, as a famous photo (see Reporting the Fight) depicts. Bruce had to be carried from the ring. Bruce’s performance hadn’t been convincing and it was by no means certain he would have won had the fight progressed.

Reporting the Fight

Here is the Belfast News-Letter account of the fight:

“WOODCOCK DEFEATS SAVOLD: American disqualified in the fourth round”

“BRUCE Woodcock, British, European and Empire heavyweight champion, defeated Lee Savold, the American, at Harringay, London, last night, Savold being disqualified in the fourth round.

The end came as a surprise, for, although Woodcock had spent most the time on the retreat, he was still doing enough to suggest that at any time he might have brought about a quick finish.

The punch which ended the fight - a right uppercut to the body - brought Woodcock to his knees in agony, and the referee, Mr. Sam Russell, who at the end the third round had warned the American to keep his punches up, sent Savold to his corner without the slightest hesitation, and awarded the fight to the British champion.

The crowd booed and whistled and catcalled, but the referee’s decision was clear cut and final. Savold appealed and there were tears in his eyes as he stood the centre the ring and watched Woodcock being dragged to his corner. 

It was some time before the official announcement of the decision was given, the M.C. waiting until Woodcock had been placed on his seat, a task which required the combined efforts and strength of his manager, Tom Hurst, and his three seconds.”

Woodcock, while boxing better than he done for many years, must have been shaken by the strength and pugnacity of his opponent. From the outset Savold had forced the issue. Woodcock backed away, poking out solid left leads, good punches which would have stopped nine out of ten heavyweights, but Savold seemed made iron, answering every punch with a snarl and boring in as Woodcock retreated. 

Round by Round

The Belfast News-Letter went on to give a breakdown of the action ....

“The British champion won the first round by skilful, if somewhat apprehensive use of his left, and he showed that he still had a punch in his right when he stopped Savold in his tracks just as the bell sounded.

It was the same story in the second round, with Savold doggedly and determinedly stalking Woodcock, and the British champion continuing to shoot out left leads, punches which gradually appeared to losing their power.

FIRST SENSATION : The first sensation came in the third round when Savold, after cracking Woodcock on the jaw with a left hook, landed a terrific right which bowled the British champion over.

Woodcock fell heavily, but raised the hopes his admirers by waving his arm to his corner and shouting ‘I’m all right.’ He was up at eight, defending grimly as Savold attempted to administer the knockout. The American did land a good right at the end the round, but it drew reproof from the referee. 

It certainly seemed in the fourth round as if Savold’s persistency would bring reward, for although Woodcock kept scoring with a left and once crossed heavily with his right, the American simply would not be stopped. 

It was unfortunate ending, for the situation was interesting.”

Afterwards

The Belfast News-Letter then described the scene that ensued post-fight:

“Immediately after the fight several spectators crowded round the door of Woodcock’s dressing room and cried, ‘This fight is a disgrace, and we ought to have our money back.’ 

Woodcock was helped in agony to the dressing room. Even after a shower and attention his face was still screwed up in pain as he lay resting on a form. ‘I was confident all the way through, and had the fight progressed further I am sure I would still have won,’ he said. 

The Savold camp were loud in their protests against the disqualification. Bill Daly, Savold’s manager, said: ‘I just can't understand it. I am certain that Savold did not hit low, and it is quite beyond me why the referee called a halt. I would make a protest against the decision if that would do any good.’

Savold was adamant that did not deliver an illegal blow. ‘I would like to meet Woodcock again any time,’ he declared.”

Boos for winning and applause for his losing opponent cannot have given Bruce much consolation in this victory. His comeback was proving a painful and tortuous affair.